Antique Northwood Cobalt Blue Iridescent Carnival Glass Tumblers-Grapes and Gothic Arches - Set of Five

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This set of five iridescent cobalt blue tumblers is stunning in any light!
Decorated with a grape and vine pattern each turn changes the iridescent sheen from blue to green, gold, pink, and purple.
The base color as seen on the bottom of the glasses is cobalt blue.
There are no chips or cracks in these tumblers and each measures 4" x 3" top opening and 2 1/2" base.

Carnival glass is moulded or pressed glass, always with a pattern and always with a shiny, metallic, 'iridescent' surface shimmer.

The keys to its appeal were that it looked superficially like the very much finer and very much more expensive blown iridescent glass by Tiffany, Loetz and others and also that the cheerful bright finish caught the light even in dark corners of the home.

Both functional and ornamental objects were produced in the carnival finish and patterns ranged from simple through geometric and 'cut' styles to pictorial and figurative. A wide range of colors and color combinations were used but the most common colours accounted for a large proportion of output, so scarce colors can today command very high prices on the collector market.
Carnival glass has been known by many other names in the past: aurora glass, dope glass, rainbow glass, taffeta glass, and disparagingly as 'poor man's Tiffany'.
Its current name was adopted by collectors in the 1950s from the fact that it was sometimes given as prizes at carnivals and fairgrounds.

However, that can be misleading as people tend to think that all of it was distributed in this way but evidence suggests that the vast majority of it was purchased by the housewife to brighten up the home at a time when only the well off could afford bright electric lighting.

At the height of its popularity in the 1920s huge volumes were produced and prices were low enough for the ordinary home to afford.

Carnival glass gets its iridescent sheen from the application of metallic salts while the glass is still hot from the pressing. A final firing of the glass brings out the iridescent properties of the salts, giving carnival glass the distinct shine it is known for.

Shipping from United States

Processing time

1-3 business days

Estimated shipping times

  • United States : 2 - 3 business days

I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.

Customs and import taxes

Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

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Returns & Exchanges

I gladly accept cancellations

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these new items?

All items in my shop are vintage and antique meaning previously owned, loved and used.
I will disclose any condition issues to the best of my ability in the item description and ask that you review pictures and description prior to purchase.
Please contact me - I'll be happy to clarify and answer any questions.

Do you accept returns?

I do not accept returns or apply refunds
Please review item description and pictures prior to purchase or contact me with any questions
I’ll gladly provide any additional
information
If it is agreed upon between the seller and buyer that an item will be returned,it is the responsibility of the buyer to pay for return shipping. Once the item is received to the seller a refund of the purchase price only will be applied to the buyers account.
I ship quickly -1-3 business days-so I will only except a cancellation within 24 hours of purchase since I will be preparing the item for shipment in order to expedite your purchase

Why are shipping costs so high?

The shipping cost is determined by the postal service which is described below Due to the various sizes and weights of the items in my shop I unfortunately cannot offer free shipping
I utilize the USPS for shipping all packages and have found them to be the most economical and reliable

USPS has discontinued Regional Rate Box prices. This means that this mail class is no longer available
USPS uses Cubic Pricing rates which are determined by package dimensions and distance traveled instead of weight

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